01 TJ Transmission Skid

[Copper01]

Hey all, I just picked up an 01 TJ Sport with the 4.0 a couple of weeks ago and Im starting to restore it a bit. I'm starting to replace the exhaust and I figured while I was at it I would change the transmission fluid, replace the beat transmission mount and sand/paint the skid plate while its down.

I've read up quite a bit and looked at a ton of photos before I started the process. After pulling down the skid plate I'm kind of baffled, where the transmission mount connects doesn't look like any photos I've seen, maybe it something for this specific year but I haven't found one that matches. I have no history on the jeep, all I know is that there is a RC 3.25" lift kit on it(https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-641c.html) with the skid plate drop spacers on it.

There seems to be a second mounting plate attached to the top of the skid with 4 studs that the transmission mount then bolts to. The studs look to be haphazardly tack welded in. I've attached a couple of photos.(dont mind the busted bolt still attached to the bracket, I had to use a bit of persuasion to get it to break from the transmission mount, Ill cut it off later) Is this normal or something aftermarket?

 

[GASnBRASS]

That's the factory skid plate, and the trans mount plate is a separate bolt on just like your's, but someone has tack welded the carriage bolts onto the skid plate, they should be loose.

 

[GASnBRASS]

That plate is for the auto trans, the four slotted bolt holes further back are for the manual transmission version.

 

[Copper01]

Ah thanks, that must be it. I've watched quite a few videos of people changing theirs and I never noticed that extra bracket. They must have all had a manual.

 

[GASnBRASS]

Oh, and welcome to the forum. Lots of knowledgeable people here.

 

[CharlesHS]

This was the manual transmission mount for my '01; the left was the new OEM Mopar and the right was the one I replaced.

 

[Copper01]

Still waiting for my new mount in the mail, hopefully it smooth things out a bit.

I haven't pulled the old one off yet, soaking the bolts in some PB blaster, but its done for, its completely flapping around in there.